Gale Virginia Edwards, 85, of Davidson County, passed away peacefully in her home with family by her side, on Sunday, July 12, 2026.

A service will be held on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at 11:00 AM, at Forest Hill Memorial Park, Mausoleum Chapel, with Rev. Kaye Frye officiating. The family will receive friends following the service at their home.

Gale was born on January 10, 1941, in Davidson County, to the late Lawrence Miller Westmoreland and Helen Ferguson Westmoreland. She worked for many years for Parkdale Mills until her retirement.

Gale found joy in life's simple pleasures and treasured every moment spent with those she loved. She especially enjoyed visiting the beach, with the Outer Banks holding a special place in her heart, and admired the beauty and history of its lighthouses. An avid lover of the outdoors, Gale was happiest soaking up the sunshine while tending to her flowers or relaxing in the beautiful yard she so proudly shared with her husband, Estil, whose dedication to maintaining it brought her great happiness. Athletic throughout her life, she enjoyed sports, loved hiking, and was a devoted fan of the Atlanta Braves. Gale also took great pride in keeping a warm and welcoming home, where family often gathered to enjoy the delicious meals she lovingly prepared. Above all else, her greatest joy was her family. She shared a beautiful love story with her beloved husband, Estil, and together they built a life filled with love and devotion over 36 wonderful years of marriage.

Along with her parents, she is preceded in death by her daughter, Patricia Shaw; brothers, Larry and Tony Westmoreland; and daughter in law, Donna Prevette Townsend.

Left to cherish her memory are her loving husband, Estil Edwards, of the home; son, Mike Townsend (Anita), of Lexington; daughter, Cheryl Edwards (Gaye York), of Lexington; brother, George Westmoreland (Gail); sister, Kaye Frye; brothers in law, Junior Lee Edwards (Cricket), and Kenneth Edwards; four grandchildren, DeAnna Kinder (Ben), Holly Lesley (Jonathan), Beth Egelnick (Stephen), Daniel Bishop (Danielle); and fourteen great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Davidson County Animal Shelter, 490 Glendale Rd. Lexington, NC 27292.